64 th Semi Annual Undergraduate Student Conference€¦ · Dr. Susan Larson, Concordia College ......

64th Semi-Annual Undergraduate

Student Conference

April 23, 2016

Wilson Auditorium

8:00 – 8:30 AM Breakfast Welcome Table: Brittany D’Annunzio and Kristi Micelli – Psi Chi

8:30 – 8:45 AM Welcome Remarks

Wilson Auditorium Dr. Gary Lewandowski, Chair, Department of Psychology

Dr. Kathryn Kloby, Interim Vice-Provost for Transformative Learning

Erin Hughes, Psi Chi – President

8:45 – 9:45 AM Paper Presentations: Session I

Wilson Auditorium

9:45 – 10:45 AM Poster Presentations: Session I

Versailles Room

10:45 – 11:45 AM Paper Presentations: Session II

Wilson Auditorium

12:00 – 12:30 PM Lunch

Pompeii Room

12:30 – 1:30 PM Wilson Auditorium

Invited Speaker:

Dr. Susan Larson, Concordia College

Incoming President Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR);

“An Unexpected Learning Experience:

Exercising Rats, Motor Learning and Undergraduate Research”

1:30 – 2:30 PM Paper Presentations: Session III

Wilson Auditorium

2:30 – 3:15 PM Poster Presentations: Session II

Versailles Room Coffee will be available during the session. Department Career Initiative:

Free Professional Headshots (Courtesy of Career Services)

3:15 – 4:15 PM Paper Presentations: Session IV

Wilson Auditorium

4:15 PM Awards and Closing Remarks

Wilson Auditorium Dr. Gary Lewandowski, Chair, Department of Psychology

Schedule at a Glance

Monmouth University has a long history of students presenting their work throughout campus and beyond.

Scholarship Week provides the opportunity for our campus to recognize students’ transformative

experiences including research, writing, service learning, musical and theater productions, and art exhibits during a

university-wide celebration.

Scholarship week is a key initiative from our Strategic Plan that showcases poster sessions, panels, and performances

from hundreds of Monmouth’s student scholars.

For more information, please visit: www.monmouth.edu/ScholarshipWeek

http://www.monmouth.edu/ScholarshipWeek

Taylor Smith

The Nature of Prosocial Behavior Motives: Altruistic or Egoistic?

This study aimed to establish the effect of advertisement appeals on an individual’s likelihood to volunteer time to a

proposed Veteran’s charity, Homes for Troops. One hundred and twenty undergraduate participants (22 male, 98 female)

were randomly assigned to an altruistic or egoistic condition and viewed an advertisement with specifically tailored

expressions to manipulate the condition. Participants responded to a volunteer intentions measure, a questionnaire that

determined possible motivations for volunteering, and a demographics questionnaire. It was hypothesized that those

who are exposed to altruistic appeals will feel more inclined to volunteer their time than individuals exposed to egoistic

appeals. Using independent samples t-tests, the results indicated that the appeal manipulation was effective and that the

results ran contrary to the hypothesis. That is, the egoistic condition reported a significantly higher likelihood to

volunteer than the altruistic condition. Exploratory analyses revealed that female participants were significantly more

likely to volunteer than male participants. Additional exploratory analysis revealed participants with a military affiliation

were significantly more likely to volunteer than those who did not have a military affiliation. Further, participants with a

military affiliation would dedicate significantly more hours per week than those who did not have a military affiliation.

These findings demonstrate that applying egoistic appeals to charity advertisements may ultimately increase an

individual’s likelihood to volunteer. This study sets the stage for effective volunteer recruitment and offers insight into

young adults as targets for prosocial behavior.

Supervising Professor: Dr. Van Volkom

Supervising Professor: Dr. Dinella

Danielle St. Vincent & Brittani Hrehorovich

Outdoor Learning with Animal Classmates

The Animal Behavior Internship course, taught by Dr. Dinella and Six Flags trainers, is a one-of-a-kind

experience for Monmouth University’s students. This three-credit course fulfills Monmouth’s Experiential

Education requirement and allows students to learn, both on campus and at Six Flags, how animals are trained

and the psychological principles that go behind understanding and working with animals. Given how rare of an

opportunity this program is at the university, let alone in this country, only a select number of students are

chosen to experience this hands-on learning environment. Under trainer supervision at Six Flags, this year’s

twelve students were able to work with giraffes, sea lions, river otters, and many other animals to apply their

knowledge. As fun as this class was, it wasn’t all play! On campus, Dr. Dinella worked closely with students to

apply psychological principles to both animals and humans using individual presentations, personal reflections,

and a final research paper. An interactive presentation on the stage at Six Flags was a requirement as well!

While the academic side was challenging, the requirements enabled students to leave their comfort zones and

apply their professional skills every step of the way. Public speaking, team collaboration, written and verbal

communication are a few of the crucial developmental skills students attain. Combined with personal growth,

these skills will inevitably enhance the lives of students and their professional careers. This class is the perfect

example of how flexible a Psychology degree is and how uniquely it can apply to the outside world.

Paper Presentations: Session I

8:45 – 9: 45 AM, Wilson Auditorium Psi Chi Moderator: Elizabeth Roderick

Cynthia Vitolo

Hmm, What’s That Smell?: Sex Differences in Scent-induced Nostalgia and Psychological Functioning

Studies have shown that vision, audition and olfactory senses have the ability to induce nostalgia; memory for a valued

past experience. The olfactory sense has been found to induce the most emotionally nostalgic memories. The current

study expands upon this research by examining sex differences in the response to scent and several types of nostalgia.

This study also explored whether scents elicit positive or negative emotions and nostalgic feelings. Participants (27

male, 85 female) were asked to fill out a Personal Nostalgia Scale to measure general nostalgia, and were randomly

assigned to smell three oil based fragrances (ocean waves, fresh cut roses, and money). They answered questions

about recall of any nostalgic memories after smelling each scent. Participants were given a shortbread cookie to eat

between scents to cleanse their palette. It was hypothesized that males would elicit more nostalgia than females for

the money scent, while females would elicit more nostalgia than males for the fresh cut roses scent. It was also

hypothesized that both sexes would elicit more positive psychological functioning and emotionality in response to the

scents, including positive affect, higher self-esteem, optimism, and love, affection and joy, respectively. Results will be

discussed in the context of the hypotheses.

Supervising Professor: Dr. Demarest

Danielle St. Vincent

Participation in Volunteer Activities and its Role When Seeking a Potential Partner

This study observed the influence of participating in volunteer activities on desirability in a potential romantic partner.

One hundred and thirteen participants (16 male, 97 female) received a hypothetical direct message from Sam on

Tinder, a dating application, and were randomly assigned to one of four conditions (volunteer/self-expansion, no

volunteer/self-expansion, volunteer/no self-expansion, or no volunteer/no self-expansion). Participants were asked to

assess how desirable they found Sam proceeding the direct message. It was hypothesized that those in the

volunteer/self-expansion condition would find Sam most desirable, and those in the no volunteer/no self-expansion

condition would find Sam least desirable as a potential partner. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that participants

who self-identify as volunteers will find Sam more desirable when s/he volunteers. Using a two-way analysis of

variance, the results show that there was no significant difference in desirability among the four conditions. However,

desirability trended toward significance, with those who identify as volunteers finding Sam more desirable when s/he

volunteers. Results suggest that individuals who volunteer desire a romantic partner who also volunteers.

Supervising Professor: Dr. Lewandowski

Lauren Horner

Laughing and Learning: The Influence of Humor on Memory

This study examined how the presence of humor influences recall, recognition and memory when it is paired with

new information. It was hypothesized that humor would decrease recall, but increase recognition and overall

memory. A sample of 69 college students were randomly assigned to watch one of two instructional flight safety

videos, with or without humor. Participants answered six fill in the blank questions to test recall and six multiple

choice questions to test recognition. An overall memory score was created by combining recall and recognition

scores. The results showed inconclusive differences between the humor and no humor conditions in all three

measurements. The findings indicate that humor may not influence memory of information.

Supervising Professor: Dr. Ciarocco

Brianna Snyder, Mosaic Psychological Associates, LLC, Long Branch, NJ, clinical and forensic private practice

Supervisor: Dr. Hatchard

Tuesday Broughman

Does Chewing Gum Have an Effect on Memory?

This study examined if chewing gum has an effect on different types of memory and if it affects memory differently for

men versus women. It was hypothesized that people in the gum chewing condition will have better memory recall

than those not chewing gum. It was also hypothesized that females will have better memory recall than males in both

the gum and no gum conditions. College undergraduates (N=105) were randomly assigned to the two conditions,

those in the experimental condition were provided with gum, then everyone completed three memory tasks, a Card

Matching Game, the Simon Says Electronic Memory Game, and an Object Location Memory Task. The scores from

each of the three memory games were used to assess the participant’s performance. A MANOVA will be used to

address the hypotheses and the results will be discussed.


Robert Joseph Wright

“Working Out” Your Happiness

This paper provides new information on pre-existing evidence on how exercising and motivational factors separately

affect happiness. This current study investigated whether exercising and motivational factors would both lead to higher

levels of happiness. It was predicted that there would be a positive correlation between the variables. Specifically, it was

hypothesized that as exercise increases, the levels of happiness will increase. Also as motivation increases, the level of

happiness will increase. Each of the 106 participants, (81 females, 25 males) was given a survey, which consisted of a

demographics sheet, a motivation questionnaire, an exercise questionnaire, and a happiness questionnaire. A bivariate

correlation test was used and found the results to be significant. According to the results, higher reports of exercising

and motivational factors led to higher levels of overall happiness. This study suggests that both exercise habits and

motivation levels are related to feelings of happiness.


Carlee H. Strauss

Are You Living to Work or Working to Live? What Millennials Want in the Workplace

This study examines how different levels of work-life balance and job advancement affect a potential job seeker’s

attractiveness to a position. The study was geared towards Millennials that are entering the job market and

corporations that should understand this generation properly to be able to recruit the best talent. The experiment

was a 2 x 2 between subjects factorial design. The participants in this study included 95 male and 71 female college

students enrolled in business classes from a medium sized private university in the northeast. The participants were

asked to review an example job posting, which varied among conditions, and rate their attractiveness to the position.

Participants were able to detect the difference in conditions and they were significantly more attracted to the position

when there were high levels of work-life balance. There was not a significant difference with the job advancement

conditions. Job advancement did not influence desire for the job. Additionally, there was no significant interaction

between job advancement and work-life balance. Millennials say that job advancement and work-life balance are both

important when considering a job. However, only work-life balance had an impact. Corporations can use this

information to properly recruit millennial talent and use the right resources to attract this group of talent.


Poster Presentations: Session I

9:45 – 10:45 AM, Versailles Room

Natalie Azzari

The Role of Technology after Hours on an Intimate Relationship

This study observed the influence using technology after work and its influence on an intimate relationship. One

hundred and fifty-three participants (94 male, 58 female) who logged onto the web-based website, Mechanical Turk,

where they were able to complete a series of questionnaires. It was hypothesized that there would be a correlation

between relationship satisfaction and several key variables including: Low boundary between work and family,

emotional connection to work, emotional connection to the relationship, workplace self-expansion, closeness with

partner, perceived necessity and perceived success. Using a series of Pearson R analyses, the results show that

closeness with partner, perceived success and emotional connection to work are related to relationship

satisfaction. Low boundary between work and family was significantly related to frequency of checking electronics.

However, low boundary between work and family, checking electronics, emotional connection to work, workplace

self-expansion, perceived necessity are not significantly related to relationship satisfaction. Checking electronics and

workplace self-expansion is not related to closeness with partner and also low boundary between work and family

is not related to workplace self-expansion. Results suggest engaging in activities with your partner, low frequency of

checking electronics and perceived success are important regarding relationships.


Brianna Andersen

The Influence of Women’s Careers and Male Gender Orientation on Male Attraction

This study evaluated the influence of women’s careers and male gender orientation on male interest and attraction.

Eighty undergraduate heterosexual male students viewed the same four female profiles which included information

about each female’s job. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: all four female’s job status

was either low-status, medium-status, or high-status. The dating profiles were otherwise identical. Participants then

completed an interest/attraction questionnaire after each profile page, rating each woman on a 7pt rating scale. The

men then completed the Male Role Norms Inventory, which assessed the degree to which the participants endorsed

traditional masculinity ideologies (Levant, et al., 2007). Participants displayed a significantly higher interest in a long-

term relationship and marriage with the women in the high-level job position compared to the women in the low-

level job position. There was no significant difference between men who were low or high in traditional masculinity.


Stephine Anna-Marie Brown

Smartphone Addiction and Anxiety among University Students

This study examined how one’s phone location can influence self-reported anxiety, similar to that of which is

experienced by substance abusers. Self-reported anxiety and smartphone addiction were examined for correlations. A

sample of 111 (86 females, 24 males, 1 unreported) college students were randomly assigned into groups. They were

asked to either put their phones face down in the middle of the table, in a plastic bin, or to swap with their neighbor on

the left. Participants worked on a word search, then completed an anxiety scale and a Smartphone Addiction Scale

(Kwon, Kim, Cho, & Yang, 2013) that was adapted for this study. Contrary to the hypotheses, it was found that a

person’s phone location does not increase self-reported anxiety or smartphone addiction. Additionally, a correlation

was not found between self-reported anxiety and smartphone addiction. The results suggest that phone location has no

effect on self-reported anxiety. This study found that self-reported anxiety is unrelated to smartphone addiction,

therefore self-reported anxiety cannot be a symptom of smartphone addiction. It is possible that people are not as

addicted to their smartphones as it may seem.


Elizabeth Hall

Picture Perfect: Tattoo Acceptance and Attribution About the Tattooed Woman

The purpose of the study is to see what influences people’s perceptions about other people with tattoos. Participants

(N=116) were recruited for this online study using Qualtrics software. They were randomly assigned to one of four

groups in which they viewed a picture of a woman who had either no tattoo, or a small, medium or large tattoo on

one arm. The picture was the same woman with the tattoo modified with Photoshop. Participants completed a brief

questionnaire about the woman in the picture. Questions concerned the woman’s attributes and the participant’s

acceptance of this woman. They also completed a personality test. It was hypothesized that females would be more

accepting of the woman than males and give more positive ratings of her attributes. Participants with tattoos were

expected to be more accepting and give more positive attribute ratings of the woman with tattoos than participants

without tattoos. Results and hypotheses will be described and discussed.


Christina Falzone

Can We Be Friends? Perceptions and Acceptance of the Adult Autistic Population

Autism currently affects about 1 in every 68 children (Centers for Disease Control, 2010). Autism now comes in many

different severities, resulting in many high-functioning autistic individuals capable of attending college. However, the way

that these individuals are perceived by society is extremely important for the self-worth and success of those with

Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study aimed to find college students' social and academic perceptions of their autistic

peers. One hundred and eighteen college students read a scenario about an individual with traditional autistic

tendencies. The gender of the person in the scenario was manipulated to measure the difference between the

perceptions of males and females with autism. Participants' openness was measured, as well as prior exposure to a close

family member or friend with a disability. As hypothesized, results showed that those who had prior exposure to a

family member or close friend with a disability showed more openness toward the character in the scenario. The

hypothesis that a male will receive higher openness scores, as well as the interaction hypothesis, were not supported.

These results suggest that prior exposure alone has the ability to increase a person's openness towards an individual

with autism.


Maria C. Ligato

Sex Differences in Reactions to Criminal Behaviors: The Impact of the Type of Crime and Sex of the

Defendant

The overall purpose of this study was to examine the effects that gender can have on one’s perception of criminal

behavior. For this study, both the gender of the participant and the gender of the person committing the crime were

studied. Participants (28 male, 67 female) were randomly assigned to one of four gender/crime conditions in which

the defendant was either a male or a female and the crime was either robbery with a weapon or a misdemeanor.

Participants read a scenario along with the picture and then answered questions about the defendant and the penalty

they would impose. They then viewed another picture of an opposite sex person who committed the second type of

crime and answered another set of questions. It was hypothesized that the sex of the person committing the crime

would have an impact on the severity of the penalty received. I predicted that the woman would be seen as less guilty

than the man and have a smaller penalty. The participant’s sex was also expected to impact the severity of the

penalty. The penalty was predicted to be harsher for the female defendant if the participant was also a woman.

Lastly, I hypothesized that the more severe the crime (misdemeanor or armed robbery), the heavier the penalty

assigned. The results will be discussed in the context of these hypotheses.


Sarah Migliore

Are You Missing Out?: The Intersection of Upward Social Comparisons and Envy via Social Media

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a current phenomenon that individuals commonly experience from viewing social

media. This study sought to determine if FOMO is real by researching whether upward social comparisons had an

impact on levels of envy through social media. Sixty participants (11 male, 49 female) were randomly assigned to one

of two conditions varying on level of social comparison (upward or neutral) by viewing six Instagram photos imagining

that they were pictures a friend posted over spring break. Half of the participants viewed photos from a spring break

vacation which were meant to lead the participant to make upward social comparisons and half of the participants

viewed photos from a spring break at home. It was predicted that those who viewed photos from a spring break

vacation would be more envious than those who viewed photos from a spring break at home. Using an independent

samples t-test, analyses revealed that those who viewed the spring break vacation photos were significantly more

envious than those who viewed the spring break at home photos. Therefore, upward social comparisons do lead to

higher levels of envy via social media. These results suggest that upward social comparisons made via social media

platforms will increase your envy. Overall, these results suggest that FOMO does exist.


Nia A. Driver, Phoenix Behavioral Health, LLC, Lawrenceville, NJ, partial care mental health program


Heather Burch, New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Monmouth County, NJ, child welfare

agency


Erica L. Davis, Voyagers Community School, Eatontown, NJ, nontraditional, progressive school


Julie Calvano, Lisa Harmone Mollicone, LLC, Freehold, NJ, substance abuse counseling


Apollo H. Awad, G&M Health, LLC, Bridgewater, NJ, healthcare regulation and policy


Samantha Barnett, Jersey Shore Free School, Little Silver, NJ, child development through a nontraditional

(Sudbury model) private school


Molly Arnette

Motivation or Intimidation: The Influence of Weight Loss Transformations on Desire to Live Healthy and

Motivation for Physical Activity

This study observed the influence of weight loss transformation pictures on one’s desire to live a healthy lifestyle and

motives for partaking in physical activity. Sixty-five female participants were randomly assigned to one of two

transformation pictures (gradual or drastic) and asked to answer two questionnaires after examining the picture. It

was hypothesized that the gradual weight loss transformation picture would cause participants to have a higher desire

to live a healthier lifestyle and more motives to partake in physical activities. Using a series of independent samples t-

tests, the results indicate that participants who looked at the drastic weight loss transformation pictures had more

motives to partake in physical activities. However, neither the drastic or gradual weight loss transformation influenced

the desire to live a healthier lifestyle. The study examined if weight loss transformation pictures can be used as

motivation to live healthier lives. Overall, results suggest that looking at drastic weight loss transformation pictures

can increase one’s motives to partake in physical activity, but will not influence one’s desire to live a healthier lifestyle.

Supervising professor: Dr. Ciarocco

Jacqueline K. Duvally, Long Branch Senior Center, Long Branch, NJ, gerontology and recreational therapy


Taylor Robustelli, Lisa Harmone Mollicone, LLC, Freehold, NJ, substance abuse counseling


Zakariya Frank, Water and Sims Employment Agency, Red Bank, NJ, job placement


Alyssa Viscione, Jersey Shore Free School, Little Silver, NJ, child development through a nontraditional (Sudbury

model) private school


Dana Brady

The Effects of Self-Expansion on Relationships

This study observed how discrepancies between actual self-expansion and desired self-expansion affect relationship

outcomes. Ninety-four participants (9 male, 85 female) completed a series of questionnaires regarding the levels of

self-expansion and the potential for self-expansion. I hypothesized that individuals who reported larger discrepancies

between actual self-expansion and desired self-expansion will report lower levels of passion, satisfaction, and

commitment. Furthermore, I hypothesized individuals who report lower levels of a potential for self-expansion will

report lower levels of passion, satisfaction, and commitment. Using a series of correlational analysis, the results show

that individuals who report larger discrepancies between actual self-expansion and desired self-expansion reported

lower levels of satisfaction and commitment, however there was no relationship between discrepancies in self-

expansion and passion. Also, individuals who report lower levels of a potential for self-expansion reported lower

levels of passion, satisfaction, and commitment. These results demonstrate how individuals feel in their relationships if

they experience discrepancies in self-expansion or if they anticipate self-expansion in the future.


Michael Qualiano Acting Out: Effect of Researcher Presence on Performance Evaluation

The researcher evaluated presence and its impact on performance evaluations. Ninety-nine undergraduate students

watched a purposely poorly acted monologue tape thinking it was an audition tape for a graduate program. By random

assignment, the researcher either stayed in the room with the participant or left the room while they filled out a survey

evaluating the performance, with a single question at the end of the survey asking participants if they noted where the

researcher was for the questionnaire section of the study. The researcher hypothesized that those participants who had

the researcher in the room with them during the 9 question evaluation would give the performance higher ratings than

the participants who were alone while filling out the evaluation. There was no significant difference between the in-room

and out-room conditions, leading the researcher to assume that the monologue itself might not have been as poorly

performed as the researcher thought, and that the participants felt bad critically evaluating a fellow student regardless of

where the researcher was physically. Future researchers should provide more information to participants regarding

what constitutes a strong versus poor theatrical performance.


Paper Presentations: Session II

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM, Wilson Auditorium Psi Chi Moderator: Kelly Faxon

Melissa Lustmann

Title: Let’s Play A Game!: The Influence of Weather on Motivation

This study observed the influence of weather on motivation. Eighty-two participants (19 males, 63 females) were

randomly assigned to one of three weather conditions (sunny and light, dark and rainy, humid). Each condition was

asked to fill out the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (Mayer & Gaschke, 1988), play Jenga alone for five minutes,

complete a motivational self-report scale, complete a motivational behavioral choice question, and assess their

opinion of the environment in the room. It was hypothesized that those in the sunny and light condition would be

more motivated than those in the rainy and dark condition and those in the rainy and dark condition would be

more motivated than those in the humid condition. Using a series of one-way analyses of variances with planned

contrasts, the results indicate that one’s level of motivation was not affected by the weather condition. The results

suggest that manipulating weather in a lab situation does not have an influence on one’s level of motivation, as the

real weather might. Although people may be conscious of their surroundings, their environment may not be

subconsciously influencing them.


Alexandra Heaney

A Look at Empathy and Self-Esteem Development through Pet Ownership

This study observed the effect of pet ownership on prosocial trait development. This study consisted of three

hypotheses, those who currently owned a pet would have higher empathy and self-esteem than those who did not own

a pet but would like to and those who did not own pet and did not want to. It was also hypothesized that the type of

pet owned would have an impact on a pet owner’s levels of empathy and self-esteem. The last hypothesis was that the

participants who received their first pet from birth to 5 and 12 to 15 would have higher empathy and self-esteem than

those who received a first pet from 6 to 11 and 16 and older. The study consisted of 115 undergraduate students, 21

males and 94 females, who completed self-esteem and empathy scales and a demographic sheet. Six one-way ANOVAs

were conducted to see if pet ownership had any effect on a person’s empathy and self-esteem. Whether a person

owned a pet or not had no significant effect on empathy and self-esteem. Fish owners had higher empathic concern than

cat owners, and those who received their first pet from birth to 5 and 12 to 15 had higher self-esteem than those who

never owned a pet. Limitations of this study included the lack of variability of the participants and that the participants

could have had a hard time answering the questions on the scales due to how they were formatted.


Anjelica Ciminello

He for She: Attraction to Male Celebrity Feminists

This study examined the influence of feminist identity and celebrity status on attraction. The He for She movement,

started by Emma Watson, proposes that men should join the feminist movement. The researcher was interested in

the effectiveness of this movement and how women would respond to celebrity men as feminists. One hundred and

ten college women were given Instagram profiles of either a celebrity or non-celebrity. Some of these women

received captions identifying the man in the picture as a feminist and some received captions of him identifying himself

as a student. Participants then took a measure of attraction and a measure of their own feminist identity. There was

no differences in attraction between the feminist and the student, nor was there any significant interactions. However,

women were more attracted to the celebrity than the non-celebrity. There was also no significant differences

between highly feminist women and low feminist women in attraction to a feminist and student. In the future,

celebrity status could be used to attract women to positive experiences and people. In addition, women should be

educated on the benefits of dating a feminist.


Cali E. Coulter, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms Rivers, NJ, criminal law


Krista Lucas

Personality Influencing Infidelity: Why Do People Cheat?

This study observed the influence of personality on infidelity. Eighty-three participants (3 male, 80 female) were

asked to complete online surveys, which consisted of 3 personality measures, and 2 infidelity measures. The

personality aspects that were measured included self-concept clarity, self-esteem, and the dark triad personality. I

hypothesized that people who reported having low self-concept clarity would also be more likely to report

anticipating infidelity, and have committed infidelity in the past. Furthermore, I hypothesized that people who

reported having low self-esteem would also be more likely to report anticipating infidelity, and have committed

infidelity in the past. Finally, I hypothesized that people who reported having a higher dark triad personality would

also be more likely to report anticipating infidelity, and have committed infidelity in the past. Using a series of

Pearson R correlation coefficients, the results show that people who reported having low self-concept clarity and

people who reported having a high dark triad personality were also more likely to report anticipating infidelity, and

have committed infidelity in the past. However, self-esteem was not significantly correlated to anticipated infidelity,

or actual past infidelity. Results suggest that personality types influence whether a person would be more inclined

to cheat on their romantic partner, and have cheated on a partner in the past.


Invited Talk

Dr. Susan Larson Professor, Psychology, Concordia University

“An Unexpected Learning Experience: Exercising Rats,

Motor Learning And Undergraduate Research”

Dr. Susan Larson (BA, Univ. of Manitoba; PhD, McMaster University) is a

Professor in the Psychology Department at Concordia College in

Moorhead, MN. She also serves as the director of Undergraduate

Research, Scholarship and National Fellowships at Concordia.

Larson engages students in undergraduate research through course-

embedded research experiences in her Research Methods and Learning

and Behavior course. She also supervises students in her laboratory on

research projects that include the investigation of behavioral and

cognitive changes associated with immune system activation and analysis

of variables affecting motor learning.

Larson has been a Councilor for the Psychology Division of the Council

on Undergraduate Research (CUR) since 2003 and this year she serves as

President-Elect of the Council, whose mission is "to support and

promote high quality student-faculty collaborative research and

scholarship." With colleagues from CUR, she co-authored CUR’s

Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research, published in

April 2012.

Brittani Hrehorovich

The Early Birds versus the Night Owls: How Sleep Patterns Affect Motivation

The researcher evaluated the effect sleep patterns have on academic, physical, and relational motivation. One hundred

and eight university students self-reported motivation levels in all three categories. Participants then self-reported

their sleep patterns during a typical school week. Their responses grouped them into either the Early Bird category

or the Night Owl category. Early Birds were operationally defined as students who typically woke up before 8 AM

and went to sleep before 11 PM. Night Owls were operationally defined as students who typically woke up after 8

AM and went to sleep after 11 PM. Eighty-four Night Owls and twenty-four Early Birds participated in the study. The

researcher examined the differences in self-reported motivation levels between the two categories. No significant

difference was found between the Early Birds and the Night Owls in any of the motivation categories. These findings

suggest that sleep pattern has no significant impact on academic, physical, or relational motivation.


Taylor Maleski

How Well Do You Know Yourself: The Influence of Switching Writing Perspectives

This study examined the influence switching writing perspectives on self-insight. 120 participants (26 male, 93 female,

1 other) were randomly assigned to one of three writing conditions and were asked to spend three minutes on a

writing prompt, reflect for one minute, and then repeat this process twice. The experimental group was instructed

to write about her or his relationship switching from first person to second person and then third person (otherwise

known as psychological displacement). The control group wrote about his or her relationship switching from the

past, the present, and the future tenses. The empty control group wrote about daily activities switching from first

person to second person and then third person. Following, participants completed perceived self-insight, positive and

negative affect, and relationship satisfaction surveys. It was hypothesized that those in the experimental group would

have a higher level of perceived self-insight than those in the other two groups. It was also hypothesized that those in

the experimental group would have the highest positive affect and negative affect. Furthermore, it was hypothesized

that those in experimental group would report higher relationship satisfaction. Using a series of one-way analysis of

variances with planned contrasts, the results show that there was not a significant difference for perceived self-

insight, positive and negative affect, and relationship satisfaction between any of the groups. Results suggest that

while there were no significant differences between the groups in the current study, further research may be done in

order to support the original hypotheses.


Paper Presentations: Session III

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Wilson Auditorium Psi Chi Moderator: Mallory Inselberg

Taylor R. Kreusch

Is There an I in Teamwork? The Influence of Group Dynamics and Negative Feedback on Self-esteem and

Task Performance

The current study examined the influence of group dynamics and negative feedback on self-esteem and task

performance. One hundred and thirteen participants (91 male, 22 female) were randomly assigned to a feedback

condition (negative or neutral) as well as a group dynamic condition (group or individual). Those within the negative

feedback condition were asked to read over an email from their supervisor about their work on a previous task or

they received nothing. They completed a task choosing a vegetarian or all meat diet as a group or individual and a self-

esteem scale. The researcher graded the task using a grading rubric. The researcher hypothesized that those who

work in a group will have a higher self-esteem and higher task performance than those who work as an individual.

Those who experience negative feedback will have lower self-esteem and lower task performance than those who

receive nothing. People who receive negative feedback and work in a group will have a higher self-esteem and higher

task performance, than those who work as an individual. People who receive positive feedback and work in a group

will also have a higher task performance and higher self-esteem, than those who work as an individual. Using a series

of two-way ANOVAs, the results provide no support for the hypotheses. Therefore, results suggest group dynamic

and negative feedback do not influence self-esteem or task performance. Overall, working in a group and receiving

poor feedback do not affect self-esteem levels or work performance.


Brianna Goitiandia

To Be Similar or Different: The Role of Self-Expansion on Desire for a Similar or Dissimilar Partner

This study analyzed the relationship of self-expansion on desire for a similar or dissimilar potential romantic partner.

Ninety-four participants (18 male, 76 female) were given a series of surveys which tested whether they were a self-

expander or self-conserver, how similar or different they wanted a partner to be from them on a list of interests, and

personality factors(P), beliefs(B), and cultural items(C), and how important these were to them. I hypothesized those

who were self-conservers would want a partner similar to them in interests and PBC and those who were self-

expanders would want a partner dissimilar to them in interests and PBC. Additionally I hypothesized similarity on

these items would be of high importance to conservers, and of low importance to expanders. Through the use of

correlational analyses, the results indicate there is no significant relationship between conservers and preference of

similarity of interests, but there was between conservers and preference of similarity in PBC. There was a significant

relationship between expanders and preference of dissimilarity of interests, but there was not between expanders and

preference of dissimilarity in PBC. Lastly, there was no significant relationship between conservers and high

importance of similarity in interest, but there was between conservers and high importance of similarity in PBC.

There was a significant relationship between expanders and low importance of similarity in interest, but not between

expanders and low importance of similarity in PBC. The findings suggest that expanders and conservers have different

preferences for similarity in potential romantic partners.


Jeffrey P. Singh

The Effects of Sex and Gender on Social Comparison

This study examined the influence of other sexes and gender norms on self-perception. Participants (N=103) were

randomly assigned to one of four conditions in which the sex and the gender-typical activity (i.e., football, dance, or

car repair) were varied. Participants completed a social comparison questionnaire asking how similar they were to

the average college student in several different features and activities. They then viewed a profile that depicted a man

or woman and included a description of this person’s favored activities (male images included either football or dance

[ballet]; female images included either dance or car repair). They were asked to rate the person in the profile on 20

features (e.g., grades, friends, activities), then rate themselves on the same 20 features. Participants then completed

the Bem Sex Role Inventory to determine gender orientation. It was hypothesized that males and females would rate

themselves more positively when viewing an individual who performed gender-traditional activities. Furthermore, It

was predicted that those who identify as more gender-stereotypic would compare themselves more positively than

how they rated same sex profiles that deviated from gender norms. Results will be discussed in the context of the

hypotheses.


Kathleen E. Piccoli, Neuropsychology Rehabilitation Services and Life Span Behavioral Health, Neptune City, NJ,

neuropsychology private practice


Alannah Caulfield

The Effects of Social Presence on Help-Seeking and Trust

This study examined the influence of social presence on help-seeking and trust. It was hypothesized that those high in

social presence condition were more likely to trust and seek help from their supervisor. A sample of 106

undergraduate students was randomly assigned into a social presence condition, in which the task instructions varied

in delivery. In the low social presence condition participants received paper copy instructions the medium condition

viewed a video tutorial with voice only and the high condition viewed a video tutorial with voice and face. While

building a small car with LEGO’s, participants encountered a missing piece, at which point they made a behavioral

choice to seek help or problem-solve and continue on their own. After the task, they completed two scales. The first

measured social presence (manipulation check) and the other measured trust with the researcher (i.e., their

supervisor). Levels of social presence did not have an influence on trust (p = .13), but it did have an influence on help-

seeking (p < .01). That is, those high in social presence were much more likely to ask for help than those medium and

low in social presence. The findings imply that media higher in social presence could be more beneficial for working

from home as it shows to be a better outlet for employees to ask for help than media lower in social presence.


Vanessa M. Tobia

Same Woman, Different Face, Different Place: How Perceptions are Altered by Cosmetics and Environment

This study examined perceptions of women based on environment and the presence or absence of heavy makeup.

Ninety-seven college students viewed one of two photos of a woman’s face, either with or without heavy makeup on,

and read a scenario either depicting her in a gym or a nightclub. Participants were then given a Perception Ratings

questionnaire which asked them to rate the woman based on sixteen traits. It was hypothesized that the woman would

be perceived as more attractive and more negative (e.g., promiscuous, heavy drinker) while wearing heavy makeup. It

was hypothesized that she would be perceived as more attractive and more negative in the nightclub than in the gym.

Next, it was hypothesized that she would be perceived as more attractive while wearing heavy makeup in the night

club. Lastly, it was hypothesized that she would be perceived as more negative while wearing heavy makeup in the gym,

than wearing heavy makeup in the nightclub. Results showed that the woman was perceived as significantly more

attractive while wearing heavy makeup, however, there was no significant interaction effect between makeup and

environment when rating attractiveness. There were no significant results regarding overall negative perceptions.

Exploratory factorial ANOVAs were conducted, and the woman was perceived as significantly more feminine with

heavy makeup, significantly more athletic in the gym, and a significantly heavier drinker in the nightclub. There was also

a significant interaction effect regarding perceptions of heavy drinking. This study demonstrated how perceptions of

women may be altered.


Brianna C. Gardner

The Relationship Between Play Choice, Creativity, Gender and Language Ability in Preschoolers

This study investigated the relationship between preschoolers’ play choices, creativity, gender, and their language

abilities. The participants were 25 preschoolers (13 boys, 12 girls). Children were primarily from European

American ethnic heritages and spoke English as a first language. The mean age was 4 years old. Methodological

approaches included both qualitative (participant observation) and quantitative (standardized tests and measures)

techniques. Children completed the Goodenough Harris Draw-a-Person Test (which involved drawing a full-figured

man and full-figured woman) and told a story to accompany each picture. Mean Length Utterances were computed

for each drawing. Next, children completed the Test of Early Language Development (TELD). This test includes

both expressive and receptive subtests. Finally, children’s play choices, play partners, and social play behaviors were

recorded. Preliminary correlational analyses suggest relationships between creativity, mean length utterances,

language ability, and play choice. T-tests will also be performed and complete findings discussed. Future research

should explore these connections among socioeconomically and ethnically diverse groups of children in different

geographical settings.

Supervising Professor: Dr. Holmes

Poster Presentations: Session II

2:30 – 3:15 PM, Wilson Auditorium

Melissa Delizia

Attitudes about Gender Fluidity: The Impact of Sex, Gender Orientation, and Personality

This study examined the influence of sex, gender orientation, and personality traits on acceptance of gender fluidity.

Participants (59 male, 49 female) were randomly assigned to conditions. One group received false feedback that their

gender identity was androgynous, and the other did not receive any feedback. They completed questionnaires about

their gender orientation, personality, and acceptance of gender fluidity. I hypothesized that those with high levels of

the openness to experience “Big 5” personality trait would be more accepting of gender fluidity than those who

scored low in openness. I also predicted that females would be generally more accepting than males. A series of

multivariate analysis of variance showed that participants with higher scores in openness to experience were more

accepting of gender fluidity than those with lower scores. Gender orientation (i.e., stereotyped vs androgynous vs

undifferentiated vs reverse gendered) did not yield significant differences in acceptance of gender fluidity.


Stamatina Hiras

She’s Out of Your League: The Influence of Sex, Relationship Status and Self-Perceived Mate Value on Mate

Preferences

This study examined the influence of participant’s sex, current relationship status (single; relationship) and their self-

perceived mate value on their preferences regarding a potential mate. Participants (N=115) ranked 6 attributes of a

potential mate in order of importance (kindness and understanding, intelligence, religious orientation, good earning

capacity, physical attractiveness and good health). They then viewed an online dating profile and rated the importance

of these features and others in the dating profile in making their decision whether or not to date the individual.

Participants’ also completed a mate value questionnaire. Using this score, they were classified as low or high in mate

value. Based on the evolutionary theory of attraction and mate preference, it was hypothesized that males would

place more importance on physical attractiveness while females would place more importance on status. Additionally

it was hypothesized that the lower self-perceived mate value of an individual, the less importance they would place on

specific mate attributes. A significant sex difference was found in regard to the potential mate’s occupation (p< .022);

females placed more importance than males on the potential mate’s occupation. Surprisingly, there was no sex

difference in desire for attractiveness. Results also revealed that lower mate value individuals placed less importance

than the high mate value individuals on features like a desire for children and the occupation of the potential mate.

These results suggest that an individual’s self-perceived mate value has an influence on mate preferences.


Julia Zgrzywa

At a Glance: Perception of Students

The author evaluated the perceptions of intelligence, emotion, and health behaviors in Greek Life members. Ninety

participants received a photo prompt which included a description of a male wearing either a Greek Life affiliated

sweatshirt, a plain grey sweatshirt, or a Monmouth University sweatshirt. Using a one to five-point likelihood scale,

participants were then asked to fill out a questionnaire that measured their impressions of the student. Questions were

designed to assess the male’s intelligence, health behavior, and emotions. The hypotheses that the Greek Life affiliated

student would be rated lower on intelligence and emotion compared to the male in the plain grey and Monmouth

University sweatshirt were not supported. However, the hypothesis that the Greek Life member would be rated more

likely to engage in risky health behavior was supported. The findings indicated that Greek Life members are perceived to

be associated with more high risk health behavior when compared to other students.


Ronald Oscar Flavien

Terrorism or Not: The Effect of Stereotype Bias on Threat Perception

The current study sought to determine if ethnicity had an influence on how people perceive a specific threat. For this

study it was predicted that a suspect of Middle Eastern descent would be seen as a greater threat compared to a

suspect described as white or with no mention of ethnicity. It was also predicted that the suspect was more likely to

be characterized as a terrorist if of Middle Eastern descent compared to the suspect described as white or with no

mention of ethnicity. Eighty-two students (16 male, 66 female) from Monmouth University volunteered for the study

through the SONA research participation website. Participants were divided into three groups (white, Middle

Eastern, or empty control) and read a modified news article on a gun shooting, with the independent variable being

the suspect’s ethnicity. They would then complete a pair of surveys which asked them to rate the overall threat level

of the suspect and characterize the behavior and motives of the suspect. Ethnicity had no significant impact on either

the level of threat attributed to the suspect or how said suspect’s actions or motive for committing the crime was

characterized. This study indicates that people may not judge threats or motives based on race.


Brittany Alvarado

Work It!: Grit and Work Ethic in Relationships

This study observed if perseverance and willingness to put in effort could benefit relationships. The main personality

traits focused on in this study were grit and work ethic. Ninety-five participants (84 female, 10 male) completed a grit

and work ethic scale, measuring their overall levels in these personality traits. Once the grit and work ethic scales

were completed, participants had to complete a packet that consisted of the partners discussing conflict scale,

communication disengagement scale, commitment measures scale, relationship assessment scale and investment size

scale. I hypothesized that grit would be significantly correlated with willingness to discuss conflict with partner, level

of commitment, and level of communication disengagement. The higher the participants level of grit, the more likely

they are to discuss issues with their partner, the more committed they will be in their relationship, and that they are

less likely to disengage communication with their partner as well. I also hypothesized that work ethic would be

significantly correlated with overall relationship satisfaction and amount of time that participants invest into their

relationship. Results showed that grit was not significantly correlated with commitment or partners willingness to

discuss conflict, however grit was correlated communication disengagement. Work ethic was not significantly

correlated with investment, but was correlated with relationship satisfaction. Results suggest that future research

must be done on these personality traits to get a better understanding of them, and that participants should come

with their partners to compare their personality traits together to see if that has an impact on their relationship as

well.


Kaleigh C. Benedict

How the Sex of an Athlete Affects Societal Acceptance, Judgments of Proficiency and Attributions about the

Athlete in Gender-Typical and Gender-Atypical Sports

The current study examined how people perceive an athlete’s proficiency and acceptance in different sport activities.

Monmouth University students read three different scenarios in which an athlete was described who was involved in a

sport, either football (traditionally masculine sport), cheerleading (traditionally feminine sport) or soccer (gender

neutral sport). The order of the sport was counterbalanced and a different name for the athlete was used for each

sport. After each scenario participants completed a questionnaire in which they rated the expected proficiency and

acceptance of the athlete, and they provided ratings of the athlete’s attributes. Participants were randomly assigned to

the female athlete condition or the male athlete condition. It was hypothesized that females who played a

stereotypically masculine sport (football) would receive lower ratings of acceptance, performance and less favorable

attributions. It was also hypothesized that males who participated in a more stereotypically feminine sport

(Cheerleading) would also receive low ratings of acceptance, performance and poorer attributions. Results will be

described in the context of these hypotheses and discussed.


Meredith Maxwell

Trucks or Tutus: Examining Childhood Tomboyism and its Effect on Women’s College Major and Career

Choice

According to Moakler and Kim (2014), a gender gap still exists in male-dominated fields such as Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Math (STEM). In the present study, the researcher examined childhood tomboyism and its effects on

women’s college major choice. The researcher hypothesized that women who were childhood tomboys would be

more confident than childhood non-tomboys to pursue masculine college majors. Ninety-nine female undergraduates

completed two questionnaires and a demographics sheet. The first questionnaire was the Tomboy Index (Burn,

Nederend, & O’Neil, 1996), which consisted of questions regarding childhood activities. Participants answered each

item based on how likely they were as a child, under the age of 12, to engage in masculine activities such as climbing

trees, playing with trucks, or playing basketball with boy peers. The second questionnaire was the researcher’s own

College Major Questionnaire which examined participants’ level of confidence in switching to a variety of both

traditionally masculine and feminine college majors, such as Criminal Justice, Math, Education, and Nursing. Results

suggest that tomboys are more confident than non-tomboys in switching to a technology or engineering major,

however no significant effect was shown for science, math, criminal justice, and business majors. These results still

suggest that tomboys do have the confidence to pursue some masculine majors, which could lead to confidence in

pursuing masculine careers. Tomboys potentially have the confidence and other masculine traits desired by employers

and peers in male dominated fields, which could help to reduce the present gender gap.


Daniel McGrotty

Title: The Impact of Men’s and Women’s Human Values on their Attitudes about Police Brutality

The purpose of the present study was to examine if human values are a determining factor in the process of attitude

change toward a social issue. For the purposes of this study, police brutality was the social topic. Much research has

been conducted on human values, especially to identify universal values and those values specifically significant to each

country. However, there has been little research on attitude and opinion change regarding social issues or human

values. The present study examined how human values impact attitude change regarding perceptions of the police and

police brutality. Participants were given questionnaires about their self-rated human values and their opinions about

the police before and after watching a positive or a negative video about police officers. It was hypothesized that the

participants who rated themselves highest in certain human values would be more likely to change their attitudes

toward police brutality compared to those who rated themselves the lowest on these values. The relationship

between the findings and the hypotheses will be presented and discussed.


Caitlin Golden

Life’s Greatest Pleasure: Food with Friends

The current online study evaluated company’s influence on food choice behavior in emerging adults defined as ages 18

through 25 years old. The purpose of this study was to expand research on obesity, social conformity, and college

eating habits. One hundred and eighteen participants were randomly assigned to one of three company conditions:

significant other, family member, or friend. They then completed a demographic sheet followed by a food choice

measure consisting of ten items that assessed their food choices while in the company of one of the three conditions. A

one-way analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between the three conditions. An independent samples

t-test revealed there was no significant difference between males and females. However, exploratory analysis revealed

that participants were more likely to share a snack with a significant other than a family member and friend and were

more likely to get the same meal as a friend than a significant other. Future research areas should include dietary

restrictions, operational definitions for conditions, a behavioral measure, and setting specific measures.


Ashley Severino

The Emotions & Coping Strategies of Family, Romantic Partners & Friends for Dealing with Separation from

Military Personnel

This study examined how individuals cope with being separated from a loved one serving in the military. Participants

(N=259) were mostly female members of one of three support groups who completed the study online. Participants

having prior experience with military separation completed the PES questionnaire then they completed an almost

identical CES survey; the PES concerned with a previous separation and the CES with the current separation. All

participants then completed a “Big 5” personality questionnaire. It was hypothesized that the most common coping

strategies would be talking to strangers and writing letters. Individuals who had prior experience with military

separation were predicted to have more coping strategies than individuals experiencing separation for the first time.

Results revealed many significant differences in emotions felt, coping strategies used, and attributes assigned to the

separated soldier. Individuals with past experience had more coping strategies than individuals with only current

experience. Results revealed that individuals with prior experience had more vivid memories than those without prior

experience (p<0.04); and as coping strategies they were less likely to wear his clothing (p<0.003); and they were less

likely to write letters (p<0.036). No difference existd between these groups in the likelihood of talking to strangers,

and many of the coping strategies were just as likely in both groups. Personality traits were only sometimes related

to the coping strategies used. Additionally, analyses identified groups (e.g., Mothers, Wives, Sisters, Girl-friends) who

sometimes differed in the emotions felt or the coping strategies relied upon. These findings will also be discussed.


Mallory L. Inselberg, Neuropsychology Rehabilitation Services and Life Span Behavioral Health, Neptune City, NJ,

neuropsychology private practice


Kasi L. Pierno, Meridian Health, Wall, NJ, risk management


Juan Milan, Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship, Howell, NJ, animal-assisted therapy


Alexandria N. Bleich, Jersey Shore Dream Center, Neptune City, NJ, community outreach


Krystal Carvajal

Quite Frankly IDC: Self-esteem and Texting

The current study examines the influence of text messages and trait self-esteem on perceived sincerity and anxiety

levels. One hundred and twenty undergraduate students completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and then

engaged in a texting task (Rosenberg, 1956). Participants received messages consisting of abbreviations or Standard

English from the sender and communicated accordingly. Subsequently, a sincerity questionnaire and the Spielberger

State Anxiety Inventory were used to assess perceived sincerity of the text messages, as well as the participants’ state

anxiety level (Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983). Those who received abbreviated messages

perceived it as less sincere compared to those who received messages in Standard English. In addition, those with low

self-esteem had lower ratings of sincerity than those who had high self-esteem. Lastly, participants with lower self-

esteem had higher levels of anxiety after the texting task than those with higher self-esteem. The findings suggest that

people are sensitive to subtle cues via text message so shorten messages will be negatively perceived, as it may hold

some form of linguistic meaning. Furthermore, an individual’s perception about himself or herself mirrors how they

believe others values them, supporting Mark Leary’s Sociometer theory (Leary, Terdal, Tambor, & Downs, 1995).


Allison Kramer, Neuropsychology Rehabilitation Services and Life Span Behavioral Health, Neptune City, NJ, neuropsychology

private practice


Jessica L. Clauberg, PATH - Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, community outreach, behavioral health

and supportive services


Morgan A. Lalevee, Shalom Torah Academy, Morganville, NJ, school counseling


Elizabeth Beaudoin

What Makes a Marriage?

This study observed how attachment style, romanticism, age, gender, and perceived importance of passionate love

and companionate love influenced people’s perceptions of the importance of love as a basis for marriage. One

hundred and four college student participants and one hundred and eighty-one adult participants from the general

population (42.9% male, 57.1% female) were all given and asked to fill out the same online survey assessing their

beliefs regarding love and marriage. I hypothesized that the college student sample would place a greater importance

on the presence of love in a marriage and place a greater importance on passionate love. I also hypothesized that

compared to past research, the discrepancy between men and women’s beliefs regarding the presence of love in a

marriage would be considerably smaller. Using correlations, t-tests, and a one-way analysis of variance, the results

indicated that contrary to my hypothesis, adults actually tended to place a greater importance on marrying for love

than college students. It was also found that older adults actually placed a greater importance on the presence of

passionate love in a marriage than college students did. Overall, the gender gap of men and women’s perceptions of

the importance of love in a marriage is much smaller when compared to the original 1967 study, but did not differ

greatly compared to more current research.


Sydney G. Pentland

Community-based Foundations

This study explores the collaboration between community-based non-profit organizations and local educational after-

school programs. It also investigates the organizational structures of both agencies and how internal positions and

initiatives impact the children's academic and life experiences. Adult participants (2 men, 3 women) held positions in

both organizations and were primarily from European-American (75%) and African-American (25%) ethnic heritages.

Child participants (6 boys, 11 girls) attended the after school program and were from Latino (64.7 %) and African-

American (35.3%) ethnic heritages. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted. Interviews took place on

school premises primarily in an empty classroom after school. A sample adult question was "What are your primary

responsibilities working for the All-Star Program?" A sample child question was "What is your favorite part about the

All-Star Program?" Content analysis revealed: adults perceived the program as a unique opportunity in which children

are offered unique experiences and community support within a positive, student-driven environment. Similarly,

children perceived the program as a fun place to receive academic assistance, explore a variety of activities, and

develop socio-emotional skills with their friends. The present study provides evidence that this after-school program

is successful, despite the challenges of maintaining a non-profit organization within a disadvantaged community. One

strength was the parallels between the staff members' and children's perceptions of the program's initiatives, as well

as the program's benefits. Future research should employ mixed methods approaches to investigate the impact of

community-based non-profit partnerships with after-school programming on positive youth development.

Supervising Professor: Dr. Holmes

Paper Presentations: Session IV

3:15 – 4:15 PM, Wilson Auditorium Psi Chi Moderator: MK O’Rourke

Tricia Race

TMI?: When Sharing Isn’t Caring

This study observed the influence of knowledge of one’s partner’s past relationships on relational outcomes. Seventy-

seven participants (10 male, 66 female, 1 other) were instructed to complete a relationship knowledge questionnaire

assessing how much knowledge they currently had about their partner’s past relationships, as well as how much

knowledge they wished that they had. They also completed a trust, relational uncertainty, jealousy, and self-esteem

questionnaire as measures of relational outcomes. This study was completed online through the Qualtrics survey

system. I hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation between actual knowledge and relational outcomes,

desired knowledge and relational outcomes, and the discrepancy between actual and desired knowledge and relational

outcomes. Using a series of correlations, the results show that actual knowledge had a positive correlation with

relational uncertainty and trust. Desired knowledge had a positive correlation with jealousy. Finally there was no

significant correlation between the discrepancy and relational outcomes. Results suggest that sharing information

about past relationships may result in negative relational outcomes and that it may be better not to share some

information within a dating relationship because there was not a significant correlation between discrepancy and

relational outcomes (while participants may desire more or less knowledge than what they currently possess, there is

not an influence on relational outcomes).


Brielle Soja

I Pick You: The Effects of Self-Control on Dating Choices

This study evaluated the effect of self-control on dating choices. Fifty-seven participants (12 male, 45 female) were

randomly assigned to one of two self-control conditions. In one, participants were depleted through an incongruent

color task and in the other participants were not depleted through a congruent color task. Both conditions were

timed for three minutes. Afterward, they were given a dating preferences selectivity task and an attraction scale. A

manipulation check consisted of a post-experimental questionnaire that asked about the color task. It was

hypothesized that those depleted of self-control would select more potential dates (be less selective) than those who

have not been depleted of self-control. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that those who have been depleted of self-

control would rate others as more attractive than those who have not been depleted of self-control. Using an

independent samples t-test to test both, the results indicated that neither of the hypotheses were supported. Those

who were depleted of self-control did not select more potential dates or rate them as more attractive. However,

those in the depleted condition did rate the color task as harder than those who were in the non-depleted condition.

Results suggest that there may not be a link between self-control and dating choices.


Zachary L. Ashley

The Effect of Parent’s Gender, Religion and Time Exposed to Religion on Child’s Religious Belief and Time

Involved with Religion Religion is one of the most influential forces in our world today. The power of religion leads us to wonder how it is

passed from one generation to the next. Researchers have examined the influence a religious parent has on their

children’s beliefs. In this study we hypothesized that individuals have identified with their same-sex parent’s religion

more than their opposite-sex parent’s religion. Mothers were predicted to influence daughters more than fathers,

and fathers were predicted to influence their sons more than mothers. Additionally, we hypothesized that mothers

have have a greater overall influence on their children’s religion. Participants (N=120) completed two surveys about

their parents’ religious practices and their own religious tendencies. Comparisons between the religious activity and

preferences of parents and respondents were calculated using correlation statistics and a factorial design MANOVA

which will be described and discussed.


Sean McDonagh

Learn to Live: Effect of Self-Expansion on Mortality Salience

This study examined the relationship between self-expansion and mortality salience through a terror management

theory perspective. Ninety-three participants (18 male, 75 female) were randomly assigned to one of four groups and

asked to rate their fear of death with the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale (Lester & Abdel-Khalek, 2003). The

participants were first exposed to a self-expansion manipulation (high or low) and then a mortality salience

manipulation (death or pain). It was hypothesized that those in the high self-expansion condition would have less

death anxiety than those in the low self-expansion condition as well as those in the high mortality salience condition

experiencing more death anxiety than the low mortality salience condition. Additionally, it was hypothesized that

those who experienced high self-expansion will have less death anxiety during mortality salience compared to the

control and when not experiencing self-expansion people will have more death anxiety during mortality salience than

the control. A t-test was used to confirm the effectiveness of the self-expansion manipulation as well as multiple two-

way ANOVA's to test the hypotheses. The results indicate no significant difference between the mortality salience

conditions but do show a significant reduction in death anxiety after the self-expansion manipulation. This reduction in

anxiety only happened when participants rated their fear of death, not their fear of dying. These results suggest that

self-expansive experiences can reduce the fear of death and make an initial connection between self-expansion and

the terror management theory.


Congratulations to All Presenters

Congratulations!!

It has been an honor to work with each of you this semester. You have worked so hard and grown so much as

scholars and students. I can’t wait to see what you do next!

Dr. C

Our Darling Daughter Brianna!

Congratulations Little Dove! We are so incredibly PROUD of YOU!!! You did an amazing job on your senior thesis - it truly reflects your passion and dedication. All the years of hard work, research papers and internships as well as philanthropic sorority endeavors – you have successfully achieved your goals. You are a true inspiration to all who cross your path! As you embark on this incredible journey which is your life, we want you to know that you will take no step alone. Our love, strength and guidance will be the gentle wind which moves you forward, now and forever. Spread your wings and fly now “Little Dove”, but never forget you will always be our baby girl…

Love Always and Forever, Mom. Dad and Anthony

Congratulations Taylor Maleski!

Congratulations Maria!

We could not be more proud of you and all you have

accomplished throughout your life. You have truly excelled at Monmouth University. Your future looks so bright and we

support you all the way.

We love you and are so proud.

Love, Mom & Dad

We are so proud of you!

We knew you could do it, but what style! Enthusiasm! Grace! Passion!

You are bound for success every step of the way.

We love you, Your Family

Congratulations Brielle you did it!

We are very proud and happy for you.

NOW GET A JOB!

Love,

Dad, Mom, & Valentina

xo

Anjelica,

The excitement in your eyes for this presentation is an understatement. I watched your passion and energy go into your every move towards this day. Now is the

next stepping stone towards becoming the drama therapist you've always wanted to be. I'm proud to be

present listening to your research and seeing the expansion that it will have outside of a university.

I couldn't be more proud.

-Your boyfriend, Jon

Congratulations Meredith!

It has been such a joy accompanying you on your college journey. Your

hard work and dedication is evident in everything that you do. We can’t wait to see your thesis presentation!

We are so proud of all of your accomplishments and look forward to

the next steps on your journey. Remember to always be kind to

animals and people and never be afraid to stand up for what you

believe is right.

Love you more,

Mommy, Andy, Ally, Olivia & Andrew Oh, and Paloma, Jack Sparrow & Flynn Rider too!

Taylor, Bun and I could not be more

proud of your accomplishments. We are amazed at the amount of dedication and time you put towards all of your schoolwork, and commend you for it. We love being your number one support group; we love keeping you happy and up beat during those times of stress and hard work. Keep pushing forward, keep striving for excellence, and I promise you’ll accomplish your goals and then some.

Love, Dom and Bun

Natalie, We were so proud to see you giving such a

wonderful presentation! Thank you for enlightening us on your topic of "How work

influences your relationships". You have worked so hard these past 4 years, to see you giving your presentation makes it so final that

you will be graduating. You will be such an asset to the working world!

Love Mom, Dad, & Gabrielle

Brianna Well you can breathe now, you have worked so hard for this day and it has not gone noticed. Your time at Monmouth may be coming to an end, but as you move onto Graduate school the next phase of your life is just beginning. We are so proud of all you have accomplished thus far and couldn't be happier for the experiences you have had. From traveling abroad, to getting to interact with these beautiful animals and for all the wonderful friends you have made. We look forward to watching as you continue on your journey.

With Love, Mom, Dad, Jack ,Gabrielle &

Maria

To our recently new Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Friend,

Ali Heaney

We are all very proud of you and want to congratulate

you on a job well done!

We know that you will succeed in anything you set out to do.

Love, Bobby, Ray, Jess, Jess, Bobby, Eva and Eden

Congratulations Cynthia!

We are all very proud of you. You have worked so hard and accomplished so

much at Monmouth University. We are positive you will be a great

success. Congratulations on the completion of your thesis! We all know that you

will achieve your dreams.

We love you very much,

Mom, Dad, Maria, Gina and Andrew

Congratulations to

Anjelica R. Ciminello for completing your undergraduate

studies in Psychology.

We are so proud of all your accomplishments in the last four years, and we know you will be successful in

your future ones.

Best of luck!

All our love, Dad, Mom, Bret, Hali, Thomas,

Vegas, Ronix, and Bailey

Christina A. Falzone Congratulations and good luck in grad school!

You’ve worked very hard! We are very proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Maria

Always have faith and trust in yourself!

CONGRATULATIONS KRISTA!

We are so proud of all the hard work and dedication you have put in your 4 years at Monmouth University. You overcame any and all challenges in your way. We are truly amazed of all the accomplishments that you have achieved! We wish you all luck, love and happiness in your new career and look forward to you presentation.

We love you, Mom, Dad, Mikey and Bella

Alannah Caulfield Congratulations!!!

Since the day you were born you have been a delight.

Congratulations!!! Sean Michael McDonagh

Today is a day to look back and celebrate all your past accomplishments, a day to look forward and anticipate all your future successes…

But whatever future you make for yourself, know that you are already a success in the eyes of your family,

For it has been a great joy to have a son like you to love, To watch you grow and mature into

a responsible young man.

Love, Mom and Dad, Basie and Granny.

We love you!!!!!!!!! Sean, Siobhan and Mom

xoxoxox

We are so proud of you and your accomplishments and

know, as you enter this exciting stage of your life,

that great things are in store for you!

Congratulations Ashley!

You are the hardest working individual I’ve ever met. You

can accomplish anything you put your mind to. You’re going to do

absolutely fine going off to graduate school. I love you so much and am so proud of you.

Love Ryan

CONGRATULATIONS TINA!

Tina,

May your dreams come true and your successes outnumber the stars.

You are a wonderful young woman. Always strive to be your best self and tune out the haters. You have always made us so incredibly proud. You have dealt with many obstacles in your young life, yet you've never faltered, lost your ambition or enthusiasm. Congratulations on your thesis and earning your degree. On to phase two, whatever you decide, we know you'll kill it!

Love, Mom, Dad, Menos & Maxx

Tina, guess the well wishes below.... ......"How you doing Tina? Congratulations of you thesis Tina" ......."Ooh La La Sassoon on your thesis Tina!" ........"I'll tell you what Tina, great job on your thesis!" ........"Tinaki, your thesis is so kalaki!" ........"Congratulations big times!!" ........"Tina congratulations on your thesis, when you gonna get married Tina?" ........"Tina always be high." ........"Can I see your thesis from this angle?" ........"Susuuu" ........"Tina you have old shoes you don wan? Oh and congrachulation sto

thesis sou!"

Congratulations on Completing Your Thesis! Brittany Alvarado-Russo Krista Lucas

Natalie Azzari Taylor Maleski

Elizabeth Beaudoin Tricia Race

Dana Brady Danielle St. Vincent

Brianna Goitiandia

May you all continue to achieve excellence in the future! Thanks for being such a wonderful group!

~ Dr. L

Congratulations to Alexandra Heaney!!!!!

We are so proud of you for all that you have accomplished.

All your hard work has paid off!!

The world is yours, go out and be the BEST you can be!!!!

We Love You Mom, Jessica, Meeshu and Penny

Taylor Rose

Words cannot fully express how proud we are of everything you've accomplished at Monmouth University. You've blossomed into a confident, beautiful, smart, and loving young

woman ready to spread your own wings. Keep your chin up and be proud of yourself. "Laugh often,

Dream big, Reach for the stars!"

All our love, Mom, Dad, Brandon, Jonathan, Mom-mom, Pop-pop, and Cooper too

We would like congratulate our granddaughter,

Alexandra Heaney

Although you have always brought us pride and joy throughout your life,

We could not be more proud of you than we are today!

We want to wish you all the happiness in the world and know that you will succeed in all you do.

Love you, Grandma and Pop Pop

Congratulations to my awesome thesis class!

Stephine Brown Christy Falzone Caitlin Golden Alex Heaney Brittani Hrehorovich Meredith Maxwell Michael Qualiano Taylor Smith Vanessa Tobia Bobby Wright Julia Zgrzywa

You truly impressed me with your hard work and dedication to your projects all semester. I am incredibly proud of the way you helped, supported, and cheered each other on

through this process!

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, Dr. Van Volkom

To my favorite sister, Tuesday, CONGRATULATIONS!!

You are a true inspiration! The amount of determination you have shown throughout

the years is seriously impressive. You will not go down without this damn degree!! It's

admirable. I hope your path to success to be clear and fruitful. Trust life and enjoy the

journey.

Xxoo with love always ❤️ Jessie

Pick Your Little Piece of the World and Improve it

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjC1cvVjeTLAhVLlR4KHfQeA6AQjRwIBw&url=https://www.pinterest.com/Kismolonsita/funy-funy/&bvm=bv.117868183,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNHPLy9iDa1gmEaQH5wZAaxexTQBDg&ust=1459279431603511

Congratulations and thanks to all of my wonderful interns and research assistants this semester! You were the best!!

Amanda, I love watching you develop your passion and commitment for trauma work!

Brianna, You have done exemplary work! I will miss you, but it’s time to spread your wings!

Kathleen, You’re an excellent student and an excellent person. Your future is so bright!

Louise, Your effort, attitude and intelligence are amazing. You will do great things!

Rich, you’ve already become an integral part of my lab group! Your future is full of promise!

Alone we can accomplish many things. Together we can change the world. – Estefania Estrada

Most fondly, Dr. Hatchard

Congratulations to all of my Field Experience students this semester!

Completing an internship is a true accomplishment! It was my privilege to watch you grow, learn, be challenged

and refine your career choices.

I wish you all success in your personal and professional lives, and I can’t wait

to see where your talent, education and dreams take you.

Most fondly, Dr. Hatchard

64 th Semi Annual Undergraduate Student Conference€¦ · Dr. Susan Larson, Concordia College ......

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Transcript of 64 th Semi Annual Undergraduate Student Conference€¦ · Dr. Susan Larson, Concordia College ......